Travel

Mid-Summer Temperatures Hit Kyushu

FUKUOKA, Oct 16 (News On Japan) - Temperatures soared past 30°C across parts of Kyushu and Okinawa on October 16th, with 90 locations recording midsummer-like conditions despite it being mid-October, while much of eastern Japan experienced a sharp autumn chill.

In Amami’s Kasari district in Kagoshima Prefecture, people were even seen swimming in the sea as the mercury climbed to 31.7°C. “It feels like summer,” said one passerby in Tokyo, contrasting with others who described the day as “a bit cold,” as the capital’s morning low dropped to a season-low 15.2°C. Meteorologists predict that this weekend’s rain will accelerate the seasonal shift toward cooler weather.

In Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture, where the temperature fell to 9.5°C, shipments of matsutake mushrooms are underway as autumn flavors reach their peak. October 16th also happens to be “Mushroom Day,” established to encourage people to enjoy the seasonal delicacy. Supermarkets in Tokyo are stocked with a wide variety of mushrooms, which have become a welcome relief amid rising food prices thanks to their stable costs.

At Tokyo German Village in Chiba Prefecture, visitors are enjoying a hands-on way to experience the season with “shiitake picking,” where large, fresh mushrooms not typically found in stores can be harvested and grilled over charcoal on the spot. The most popular topping, locals say, is “mayo-shichimi” — a rich blend of mayonnaise and spicy Japanese chili powder that pairs perfectly with the freshly grilled mushrooms.

Although mushrooms are available year-round thanks to artificial cultivation, autumn remains the best time to enjoy them at their freshest and most flavorful.

Source: TBS

Northern Japan Warned of Heavy Snow and Blizzards

A strong winter-pattern pressure system drove the season’s coldest air across the country on November 18th, making snow and rain more likely along the Japan Sea coast while bringing heavy snow and blizzard conditions to parts of northern Japan, with temperatures falling sharply nationwide and even areas that see sunshine experiencing a biting northerly wind.

Japanese Embassy in Beijing Urges Citizens to Stay Vigilant

The Japanese Embassy in Beijing urged Japanese nationals in China on November 18th to take extra precautions for their personal safety as the Chinese government intensifies its opposition to Prime Minister Takai’s recent comments regarding a potential Taiwan contingency, prompting the embassy to send a warning email later in the evening.

Japan Is Facing an Unprecedented Surge in Bear Attacks

A reporting team found itself face to face with a bear while investigating the sharp rise in bear-related incidents that has left 13 people dead this year.

Sakurajima Erupts, Sending Plume 4,400 Meters High and Disrupting Flights

Sakurajima erupted in the early hours on October (date not provided in source), sending a plume of ash soaring to 4,400 meters above the crater, the first time it has exceeded 4,000 meters since October last year, with volcanic rocks reaching as far as the sixth station on the mountainside as the volcano continued erupting intermittently throughout the morning and caused ash to fall over Kagoshima Airport, where a thin layer accumulated on aircraft.

JAL Cabin Crew Get OK to Wear Sneakers

Japan Airlines (JAL) has introduced a new policy starting November 13th allowing its cabin crew and ground staff who serve customers at airports to wear sneakers during work hours.

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